Briefs: Voters forum canceled

The Elgin Area League of Women Voters has canceled Wednesday's forum in Elgin for candidates in the race for the 14th Congressional District seat. Jim Oberweis and Bill Foster, the candidates vying to fill out the term of retired congressman Dennis Hastert, were invited to participate in the forum at Elgin's Gail Borden Library, but league representatives say Foster would not attend. A special election will be held on March 8. The winner will serve out the term vacated by Hastert until January 2009.

Women's history at MCC

McHenry County College will kick off Women's History Month with a film festival featuring three flicks -- "Gorgeous," "Made Over in America" and "Breasts" -- about body image and beauty directed by three women. The film festival runs from 1 to 4 :30 p.m. Sunday in the MCC conference center. Visit www.mchenry.edu/women or call (815) 455-8735 for details. The films are recommended for mature audiences.

NIU grads plan fundraiser

A pair of NIU graduates living in Pingree Grove plan to hold a silent auction and need people to donate items. Proceeds will benefit the families who lost their loved ones in the Valentine's Day tragedy. The silent auction will he held at 9 a.m. Saturday in the Cambridge Lakes Community Center. Please note that the event is open to residents and their guests only. If you have anything you'd like to give, call Ashley Ebenhoch at (847) 464-1515.

Tax applications available

Real estate tax deferral applications are available through the Kane County treasurer's office. The program allows qualified senior citizens to defer all or a portion of their real estate taxes. Once completed these forms should be returned to the treasurer's office by Saturday. To qualify, a homeowner mustbe 65 or older by June 1, have a household income of $50,000 or less, have lived on the property for at least three years, not owe any delinquent property taxes and have proof of homeowners insurance. Forms can be picked up at the treasurer's office in Geneva, 719 Batavia Ave., Building A. For more information, call Della Winckler at the treasurer's office at (630) 232-3565.